Open carry - Gone concealed

[One_Jackal]

Yesterday I was breaking in/trying out a new holster for my Ruger Blackhawk. I went to several of my friends homes and no one noticed the huge hawg-leg hanging off my hip. The tip of the holster hanging from under my shirt looked like a cell phone case hanging off my pocket. I was using a regular #8 Uncle Mikes holster for large frame revolvers. All that concealed the weapon was a baggy T-shirt Has anyone had similar experiences?

I have a plan to conceal the Blackhack by having a holster strap sewn onto a back support. But that is another thread...

 

[PRM]

When I carry an SAA - I use the El Paso Saddlery "Crosshair." It rides high and out of the way - conceals great.

 

[Lawdawg45]

I usually shy away from nylon holsters, especially for a heavy framed SA. I am a big fan of the Don Hume JIT slide holster, and the #2 (S&W N frame model) works perfectly for a large framed SA. Mine pictured is a Ruger Vaquero.

LD

 

[jeepnik]

I often carry a Blackhawk with a 4 5/8" barrel. My preferred holster is a custom crossdraw that rides very high. I don't have an issue with the bottom of the holster "peeking" out below the covering garment.

One of the nice things is that sitting, the bottom of the holster isn't pushing on the chair or what have you and making it uncomfortable. In addition, it's accessable to either hand.

 

[NavyLCDR]

I have had that experience many, many, many times when I have concealed my gun with just a shirt covering it. In fact, that is the experience I have had every time I have concealed my gun by flipping my shirt over the gun rather than tucked in behind it.

 

[JTQ]

I remember a Massad Ayoob article a few years ago where he commented about how people often overlook "black" on the belt, such as a black pistol in a black holster.

 

[MCgunner]

I pocket carry. My only single action carry is made by NAA. In Texas, "flashing" is a no no and I don't know who's in charge of defining whether I'm "flashing" or not. Normally, I carry a DA snubby or a DAO 9mm subcompact in a pocket. I love my blackhawks and cap and ball guns like my ROA and my Pietta '58 Remmy, they have their place, but it's not in my carry battery.

 

[smalls]

I usually conceal my commander 1911 with just a t shirt. Prints sometimes, but no one is staring at you.

 

[One_Jackal]

The Blackhawk I was carrying has a 6 1/2 inch barrel. Without a shoulder holster it's difficult to keep the 6 1/2 inch barrel under your shirt. Especially for a tall guy that has a hard time buying a shirt that is long enough.

Yesterday, I went to friends house with the same 6 1/2 Blackhawk to watch the NASCAR race and eat. Once again no one noticed the gun on my hip. Well, until I couldn't stop myself from showing it off.

The Vaquero in the photo is a nice looking weapon. I really like the Crosshair holster. The large paddles are an aid to keeping your britches on.

What has me considering a single action as a carry pistol is all the trouble I have had with pocket size semi-autos. Everyone has a pocket pistol they say works great. Yet when you get to the range to try it out FTE/FTF over and over. I am to the point I am over the notion of carrying a semi auto pocket pistol. One day I will see a 9mm or 38 Cobra derringer that will meet my requirements in a pocket pistol. I need a pocket pistol that will hit a target twice at point blank range without ever FTE/FTF. The Cobra is all I can find that meets my requirements. The offerings by Bond Arms are so large and heavy we are back to the same problems I am experiencing concealing a full size SA.

 

[MCgunner]

Thing is, in Texas, one can get arrested for flashing and cops are more observant than friends at a party, so I prefer to err on the conservative side. It ain't worth going to jail to carry my Blackhawk. And, even though this is Texas and it's a sharp looking engraved stainless gun with Sanbar grips, I haven't worn it to a BBQ. It's a good field gun and hog slayer, though.

I don't worry about "printing", a passage in the penal code was added a while back to keep that from being a concern, but still can't flash any sign of a gun in public. We get 50 mph winds down here in spring as the norm. I'd just rather not carry on a belt unless in a fanny pack and it'd have to be an unusually large fanny pack to carry a blackhawk.

 

[Snag]

I carry my Blackhawk in a Ted Blocker Mod10. I know, it's not OWB, but the rig works great and I thought I'd share.

Not my pic but you get the idea.

 

[MCgunner]

Mmm, I got a bit too much belly for that. Sitting down could be quite painful. That hammer spur looks sharp and painful.

 

[Guillermo]

one can get arrested for flashing and cops are more observant than friends at a party

Actually McGunner, the law has been changed. Accidentally having your gun show is no longer "brandishing".

That said, it always pays to be careful

 

[Snag]

That hammer spur looks sharp and painful.

Yeah, that fugger is sharp and painful where ever it is unfortunately.

 

[Lawdawg45]

The Blackhawk I was carrying has a 6 1/2 inch barrel. Without a shoulder holster it's difficult to keep the 6 1/2 inch barrel under your shirt. Especially for a tall guy that has a hard time buying a shirt that is long enough.

Yesterday, I went to friends house with the same 6 1/2 Blackhawk to watch the NASCAR race and eat. Once again no one noticed the gun on my hip. Well, until I couldn't stop myself from showing it off.

The Vaquero in the photo is a nice looking weapon. I really like the Crosshair holster. The large paddles are an aid to keeping your britches on.

What has me considering a single action as a carry pistol is all the trouble I have had with pocket size semi-autos. Everyone has a pocket pistol they say works great. Yet when you get to the range to try it out FTE/FTF over and over. I am to the point I am over the notion of carrying a semi auto pocket pistol. One day I will see a 9mm or 38 Cobra derringer that will meet my requirements in a pocket pistol. I need a pocket pistol that will hit a target twice at point blank range without ever FTE/FTF. The Cobra is all I can find that meets my requirements. The offerings by Bond Arms are so large and heavy we are back to the same problems I am experiencing concealing a full size SA.

I agree and feel your pain after having a Kahr PM-9 and a Ruger LCP that wouldn't feed anything reliably! I've gone back to my J Frames for pocket carry, and I'll wait a good while before even thinking about the LC9 or new M&P Shield.



LD

 

[Patocazador]

Thing is, in Texas, one can get arrested for flashing and cops are more observant than friends at a party, so I prefer to err on the conservative side. It ain't worth going to jail to carry my Blackhawk. And, even though this is Texas and it's a sharp looking engraved stainless gun with Sanbar grips, I haven't worn it to a BBQ. It's a good field gun and hog slayer, though.

I don't worry about "printing", a passage in the penal code was added a while back to keep that from being a concern, but still can't flash any sign of a gun in public. We get 50 mph winds down here in spring as the norm. I'd just rather not carry on a belt unless in a fanny pack and it'd have to be an unusually large fanny pack to carry a blackhawk.

That used to be the law in Florida too but they just passed a bill a few months ago that negated that if the "flashing" was inadvertent.

 

[smalls]

...thinking about the LC9 or M&P Shield

You know, I finally held one of the shield's the other day, and I had to sit and scratch my head for a minute. I could never fit a gun that size into any of my jeans pockets, with the exception of my rear pocket. I have absolutely no idea how you guys pocket carry anuthing larger than a derringer.